Saturday, February 22, 2014

Minor League Coaching Changes Announced

Phillies beat writers reported news via Twitter today (here, here and here), stating that Ramon Henderson, who was set to begin his first season managing Class A Advanced Clearwater this year, has left the team due to personal reasons. To fill the void, the Phils have assigned Class A short-season manager Nelson Prada to take over as skipper for the Thresers.

Replacing Prada with the Crosscutters of the New-York Penn League will be Shawn Williams, the 30-year-old son of former big league manager and Phillies coach Jimy Williams. Williamsport will now have a void to fill at hitting coach, as Williams was previously slated for that job.

After a stretch of more than a decade as a major league coach for the Phillies and a demotion to the minors in 2009, Henderson was fired for reasons that were reportedly alcohol abuse related. He returned to the organization in a coaching capacity with the Gulf Coast League Phillies last year. Henderson played in the Phils' developmental system as an infielder for eight seasons during the 1980's.

Prada, who turns 38-years-old today, played four years in the minors as a catcher. He joined the Phillies organization last season after managing Class A Beloit (Twins affiliate at that time) of the Midwest League for five seasons.

Clearwater has been managed by former big leaguer Chris Truby for each of the past two seasons. Truby was reassigned as the Phils' minor league infield coordinator this off-season.